by Ward Snyder, Tennis Pro
It is so hard to believe the year is coming to an end but there is so much to look forward to in the new year, so with optimism and a little bit of reflection on the past 12 months let’s take a quick journey together.
Despite a downtrend in new tennis players worldwide, it seems that Keowee Key is defying that trend. There is little doubt that pickleball is still the rage but that hasn’t stopped our sport from flourishing here as many new players have taken a walk on the wild side to either remove the rust from their “rusty rackets” (the new name of the novice program) or to transition from pickleball to tennis.
Did you know that both sports have inherent advantages that can give an edge in learning the other sport? In other words, a tennis player’s skills probably lend themselves more when playing pickleball versus the opposite scenario.
For instance, the tennis player is used to “hitting through the ball” as the game requires much more shot-making from the baseline. When playing pickleball, the longer swings make for better returns of serves, drives, and even approach shots to the net. Alternatively, the pickleball player has one big advantage: every point ends up with four people (two on each side) located an inch or two behind the kitchen line. Thus, volleying is an absolute prerequisite to winning in this game. If you want to win, come in, if you want to lose, stay back.
Being comfortable at the net makes the pickleball player a much better volleyer than most tennis players with just a few minor tweaks. Because the racket has strings, there is some give (trampoline effect) which means a bit more follow through than with a paddle, but the volley in each sport is quite similar and a big advantage goes to the pickleball player.
Hopefully, you will consider trying the “other” sport in the new year. Our “rusty rackets” program each Thursday has been a great success, and it will grow even more in 2024. Many pickleball members have transitioned to tennis and even won an event in the Club Championship! Recognize you have preconceived advantages ready to explode but you have to switch from either a racket to a paddle or vice versa. Try it, you’ll like it!
Congratulations to the Club Champions and looking forward to watching them improve even more in the new year. There is so much good energy here at the Key. and I would like to wish all of you a very healthy and happy end of the year and of course, a Happy New Year in 2024.
Happy holidays,
Ward
